Hi guys, I dropped my helmet about three inches off the ground and got a really small rash. Question is, most helmets require that they be replaced whenever the helmet has gotten any impact. Does this qualify? The helmet is an automative Bell Sport 3 by the way.

 

3 inches is a pretty small drop, I'm pretty sure our loaner helmets regularly get treated worse. It would be unreasonable to have to replace it from such a small drop... although I'm sure the helmet manufacturers would love to sell you another one anyways

 

ok maybe 3 inches is being a bit conservative...it fell off while I was picking something else up so more like 6 inches But yeah, it wasn't anything too high. I just read somewhere where it was recommended to replace the helmet if it's gotten ANY impact.

 

Sit on it. See if it creaks. If not, game on.

 

OK if it fell off you should replace it with one that actually fits! If it's that loose when or if you are in a crash it could spin on your head. If you don't replace it cut some eye holes where your ears should be. That way you could still see what you are about to hit next.

All kidding aside, it may not have taken a hit any harder that bumping it against somehting while walking around or being hit by a rock while riding down the road, on motorcycle. It should be OK as long as there is only a chip, not a crack.

 

LOL. It fell off from my hand. Good suggestion on the ear holes though . But yeah, it's a chip not a crack. Thanks again folks.

 

In my opinion (and this just my opinion so im not liable for any harm that comes from someone taking my word for it) helmets are fine after the majority of small to moderate impacts. The problems comes from decerning which are ok to continue to use the helmet and which should require replacing. If the manufacturer tried to make a guideline there would be a big grey area. Then when someone gets hurt after a boarderline replace/dont replace call... the maker gets sued big time. To cover their butts, they say replace no matter what.

 

I bought my helmet from Simpson and they said that if the helmet has sustained an impact and it is questionable... you can send it back to them for a full inspection to determine if it is still safe or if it needs to be replaced (I thought they said something about checking for micro fractures with an x-ray but I could be mistaken).

 

What they are actually looking for is delamination. And yes, there are several nondestructive techniques for that sort of inspection. Ultrasound and x-ray are the two most common.

 

You'll be fine, that impact is too little. I hear driver replace the helmet more because of expired tag.